Crocworld-raised pythons released into wild

After the rescue of a gravid (pregnant) Southern African python in December 2023, the team from Crocworld Conservation Centre cared for her six eggs that hatched in an incubator in January 2024, raising the juvenile Southern African pythons for the year. Explaining the care for the snakes, Crocworld Animal Curator, Busani Mthiyane, said: “They need to be fed small mammals and other reptiles with a heated, spacious enclosure to grow, increasing in size as they do. They thrive best in moderate humidity and we ensure the enclosure mimics the natural environment as best as possible, with branches for climbing and hiding spots to reduce stress. In the wild, they are threatened by habitat loss and poaching, so they will be released into a safe environment.” Crocworld collaborated with FreeMe Wildlife with the snakes released into a reserve in January 2025 as part of a reintroduction project. With the warmer weather, snake activity will be on the rise. Residents on the mid-KZN South Coast can call the team at Crocworld on 039 976 1103. There’s also great food and drinks with an exquisite ocean view at Fish Eagle Café, ziplining at Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures, and the WildED Crocworld Activity Book to check out. For more information about the many conservation efforts and the exciting events happening at Crocworld, visit www.crocworld.co.za or ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ on Facebook.